Volume 1 Uncle Nine's World Chapter 99: Maoshan Forbidden Technique
The demon baby was forced back by the Yang Fire. Uncle Jiu acted quickly and caught it in his hand. The powerful force made the demon baby unable to move.
"partridge!"
The partridge immediately understood what was said and bit its index finger to force out a little blood.
"seal up!"
Partridge used his own blood essence as a guide to perform the sealing technique. A puppet appeared in his hand, and a series of sealing seals were cast on it. After the technique was completed, he slapped it straight towards the demon baby.
"roar!"
The demon baby suddenly let out a sharp roar, and even Jia Le could hear a hint of fear and anger in it. Unfortunately, Partridge was a professional in dealing with spirit babies and demon babies. This sealing technique was very difficult to learn. However, no matter what spell it was, difficulty in learning was only for those who had no talent. But there was a small group of people who were born special.
Take Partridge for example. The sealing technique that is difficult for others to learn becomes much easier in Partridge's hands.
The puppet was placed on the demon baby's forehead, and waves of sealing power began to flow into the demon baby's body, and then pulled it into the puppet little by little. Not long after, the demon baby was completely submerged in the puppet.
"Jia Le!"
Uncle Jiu spoke, and Jiale did not hesitate. He directly ordered the crow to spit out seven more spiritual fires, and the puppet was immediately ignited.
At this time, the demon baby had been absorbed into the puppet, and all its resentment and evil thoughts had been sealed up. It was at its weakest moment, and could not resist the yang fire at all. With a series of roars, the demon baby eventually dissipated into the world along with the puppet.
Seeing that things were finally over, the three of them breathed a sigh of relief.
It has to be said that this little demon baby really puts people under a lot of pressure. It is even more difficult to deal with than some hairy zombies. Jiale withdrew the Beidou Tongshen power.
Uncle Jiu immediately returned to normal.
Partridge looked at Jiale with interest, "Jiale, where did your master pick you up from? I'll pick one up too. You've already mastered the Seven Star Life-Protecting Technique so well. In our generation, only my senior brother has learned this technique. Even I can't learn it. You've only studied Taoism for a few years, but your progress is too fast."
Jiale couldn't help but curl his lips when he heard this. Do you think this is a child from the garbage dump? You can pick him up whenever you want.
"Quail, stop being weird, let's go see how Sister Lian is doing."
Hearing Uncle Jiu's words, Partridge couldn't help but roll his eyes at him, "You keep calling me Sister Lian, be careful that the guy named Long will kill you."
Obviously, he was jealous, but Uncle Jiu had no way to deal with Lianmei, and he had even less way to deal with Partridge. Uncle Jiu, who had been wise all his life, was completely dominated by women.
Partridge put the spirit baby away and returned to Michelin's house.
"Partridge, come and see how Sister Lian is doing."
Medicine and Taoism are inseparable. Generally, people who practice Taoism have some medical skills. They may not be able to cure people, but they must understand the theory. There is also medicine in Maoshan. Partridge is the most proficient in medicine in this generation.
Partridge had already come to Michelin, and looking at his painful expression, he couldn't help but frowned.
It’s just that Uncle Jiu cares about Michelin. When he frowned, his heart ached.
Partridge immediately rolled his eyes again.
"Don't worry, it's just that the demon baby is gone and the fetal heart rate is unstable. We need to quickly add another spirit baby in, or it will be born prematurely."
Uncle Jiu heaved a sigh of relief when he heard this, "Then choose one quickly."
Partridge took out all the spirit babies and said, "How about you choose?"
Uncle Jiu really intended to do so, but when he saw the dangerous expression on Partridge's face, he finally withdrew his hand awkwardly, "You are a professional, come on."
"snort!"
Partridge gave Uncle Jiu a look that said "you'd better be sensible" before choosing one from among the many spirit babies and sending it into Michelin's belly.
"Okay, all of you get out."
Most people don't want to see the scene of childbirth, not to mention that such a private matter should not be attended by men.
Uncle Jiu took Jiale, Qiusheng and Wencai out of the house, leaving only Nianying to help Queqiao.
At this time, Marshal Long also came back, naked, wearing only a pair of shorts.
"Marshal Long, are you going swimming so late at night?"
Qiu Sheng looked at the wet Marshal Long and couldn't help but tease him. Marshal Long was suddenly embarrassed when he heard that. He was scared when he thought of the scene just now. The maid who had been serving his wife was actually a ghost. Thinking that he almost fucked a ghost, Marshal Long couldn't help but shudder.
"How is my wife?"
Although Marshal Long was eating from his bowl and looking at what was in the pot, his feelings for Michelin were still real, and he rushed back immediately.
"Wow!"
Uncle Jiu was about to explain when the sound of a baby crying was heard. Everyone was delighted, as the sound of a baby crying is the purest and most soothing.
"Yes, my wife gave birth. I have a son now."
When Marshal Long heard the sound, he was overjoyed and rushed into the house.
"Brother-in-law."
Seeing the revealingly dressed Marshal Long, Nianying felt embarrassed, but Marshal Long didn't even bother to change his clothes. He rushed to Michelle and picked up the child. Jiale and others followed him in.
"Honey, what shall we call our child?"
"Call me Aiying."
It's really invincible. Michelle shows her love so obviously in front of her husband, and Marshal Long can still be so affectionate with her. It has to be said that Uncle Jiu's childhood sweetheart is really amazing when it comes to subduing her man.
"No, it's called Ailong."
Partridge had had enough and took Uncle Nine away.
Dongtou Village.
In the Lingying Hall of Partridge.
"Master, can I learn this forbidden technique?"
Jiale has an unknown space, so he doesn't have to bite off more than he can chew. The sealing technique is still very powerful, and it is also Jiale's shortcoming at this time. If he can learn it, his strength will increase greatly.
Partridge looked at Jiale in surprise.
"Of course you can learn it, but Jiale, you have to be mentally prepared. You have good talent, but you can learn the Seven Star Life Protection Technique, but you may not be able to learn the Maoshan Forbidden Technique."
Upon hearing this, Jiale nodded hurriedly. Although he said so, it was Jiale's fault for having a cheat.
When Uncle Jiu saw that Partridge wanted to teach Jiale the Maoshan Forbidden Technique, he was also happy to see it happen. Some masters were reluctant to teach their apprentices the technique, mostly because they were afraid that their apprentices would not master it and would delay their practice. However, Jiale seemed to have nothing to worry about. After only three years of practice, he had already reached the peak of the Qi Transformation Realm. I hadn't looked closely before, but only now did I sense that Jiale had already opened two meridians.
Such speed was considered fast even in the ancient times. Uncle Jiu knew that Jiale must have his own secrets. However, Uncle Jiu did not want to investigate. Jiale had been with him for such a long time, and he had a deep understanding of Jiale. Maybe he was not as law-abiding as them, but he would definitely not do anything to violate the rules of Maoshan Sect.
The speed of his cultivation is not due to any evil techniques. He is respectful to his teachers, harmonious with his fellow disciples, and able to abide by the rules of the sect. He cannot wait to protect such a disciple.
"Jia Le, your master sent me a message saying that he has come out of seclusion. Are you going back this time, or are you going to stay with me for a while?"
Hmm! Four Eyes is out!
Jiale couldn't help but feel a little surprised when he heard this. Not to mention, Simu had been in seclusion for four months, and he had been out for four months. He really missed her a little.
"Uncle Master, you guys go back first. After I finish learning from Aunt Master, I will go back to see Master directly."
Jiale also saw what Uncle Jiu meant. He was not planning to stay with Partridge for long. As for what he was worried about, Jiale could guess a little bit. In order to get Uncle Jiu, Partridge was willing to do anything.
Upon hearing this, Uncle Jiu also nodded.
"Okay, then you can learn the Maoshan Sealing Technique from your master's aunt first, and then go back to see your master when you have time, then come back to the charity cemetery. Qiu Sheng, Wen Cai and I will go back first."
Upon hearing this, Partridge looked at Uncle Jiu with some resentment. Uncle Jiu could not stand it anymore and left in a hurry.
Outside the door.
Jiale looked at the slightly melancholy Partridge and couldn't help but say.
"Aunt, Master will be yours sooner or later, but now Master is in the process of reaching the Spiritual Transformation Realm, so he dare not break his virginity."
When Partridge heard this, his face suddenly turned red with shame, but the joy revealed in it was obviously impossible to hide.
"What are you talking about, kid?"
Saying what Partridge likes to hear is of course useful. Partridge's subsequent teaching of Jiale can be said to be extremely attentive, and Jiale finally understands why this sealing technique is so difficult to learn.
Not only because it is too difficult to get started, but also because it requires a theoretical foundation and involves some arithmetic problems.
Looking at the dozens of Taoist books given to him by Partridge, Jiale was a little dumbfounded. He really didn't realize that Partridge was actually a top student.
But it seems that he can't go back for a while, so Jiale first wrote a letter to Simu, informing him that he would stay here with Partridge for a while to learn the Maoshan Sealing Technique. Simu also wrote back, telling Jiale that he had successfully broken through and asked him not to rush back.
In the next two months, Jiale seemed to have returned to school and started to study hard. However, learning the Maoshan Forbidden Technique was more difficult than when he was in school, because it was not enough to just memorize it, but also to understand it.
It took Jiale two full months to thoroughly learn the dozens of Taoist books on the Maoshan Forbidden Technique.
However, even though it took him two months to fully comprehend it, Partridge was full of praise, because it took her five years to fully comprehend these Taoist books. Even so, her master said that she had good talent, and Jiale's performance was definitely a genius.
Jia Le did not dare to accept the title of genius. If the unknown space had not helped him improve his comprehension so much, even if he was given another two years, he could not guarantee that he would be able to fully understand these Taoist books.
Moreover, mastering the Taoist scriptures is only the basis for practicing the Maoshan Sealing Technique.
The real practice has just begun.
"Jia Le, take a day off. Tomorrow I will officially start teaching you the Maoshan Forbidden Technique."
Whether in the past or now, teachers all like good students. The difference can be understood if you carefully think about teaching Jiale and teaching Wencai.
Jiale understood everything immediately, and Partridge was determined to pass down the Maoshan Sealing Technique, which naturally made Partridge do his best and also very happy.
In unknown space.
Jiale began to practice the Great Sun Divine Form Secret. Now, Jiale could not only practice facing the setting sun, but also the rising sun. Moreover, two months had passed, and the energy beads of the Black and White Devils, the demon servants, and the demon infant that Jiale had obtained some time ago had all been used up. He had started to use Xiang Yu's energy beads.
However, it must be said that Xiang Yu's energy beads are indeed not comparable to the Qi Refining level energy beads. Jiale has used them for nearly two months and did not feel much consumption.
You know, Jiale has consumed a lot of energy in these two months.
The Sun's True Body is only one step away from entry, and it is possible that today he will be able to enter completely. The Yang Wei Meridian and Yin Wei Meridian of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians have also been completely opened, and have reached the level of Qi meridians turning into the sea. However, the further you go in opening the meridians, the more difficult it becomes. Even though Jia Le has no shortage of energy, he dare not rush too much to prevent destroying his meridians.
Fortunately, half of the eight extraordinary meridians are already open, so I can start practicing to open the belt meridian tonight.
If I could completely master the true body of the sun today, I would not only be able to absorb yang essence to practice in the future and no longer need energy to nourish my body, but my aptitude would also make a real leap forward, and my practice would only be faster in the future.
Jia Le visualized the sun while practicing the Great Sun Divine Form Secret and began to cultivate.
As he became more proficient in his practice, Jia Le no longer needed to practice separately his body and soul, and he could also visualize the sun at sunset or sunrise.
And it seems that this is the normal state. The body and the soul are cultivated at the same time and proceed synchronously. It seems that the practice speed is faster and more efficient.
If there was a progress bar, Jiale's entry into the solar body would have already reached 99.9%, with only 0.1% missing, and today he would have to make up for this 0.1%.
Under the setting sun, streams of Yang essence flowed into Jiale's body. Within his soul, Jiale could feel the sun getting closer and closer to him, as if it would become one with him in the next moment.
The Yang essence entered the body and traveled throughout the body, allowing Jiale to feel the warmth of the sun even more.
As he practiced, Jiale not only did not feel the pain he felt at the beginning, but he even enjoyed the scorching heat of the sun. It was not known whether it was because he had gotten used to the abuse or because he was about to enter the realm of the true body of the sun.
Getting closer and closer.
Time passed by minute by minute, and Jiale clearly felt that he was only a little bit away from entering the realm of the Sun's true body, but he was stuck at this point and could not succeed. As a result, even Jiale felt a little anxious.
Until the sun sets and the moon rises into the sky, the two meet.
A ray of moonlight mixed with the yang essence came towards Jiale and entered his body.
Yin and Yang work together. At this moment, Jiale seems to understand something.
The Great Sun Divine Form Secret Art was still running. This was the first time Jia Le had practiced the Great Sun Divine Form Secret Art at night. But the strange thing was that when he was practicing the Great Sun Divine Form Secret Art, rays of moonlight were drawn into Jia Le's body by him.
Comfortable!
This is how Jiale felt. After Jiale absorbed the Great Sun Divine Form Secret of the Yuehua Sutra, he felt unprecedented comfort. In his soul, the great sun that was born from visualization completely sank into Jiale's soul. You are in me and I am in you. At this moment, Jiale felt as if he was the great sun.
At this time, Jia Le finally understood why only the Sun True Body could absorb Yang Essence. It turned out that a person who possessed the Sun True Body was the sun itself. When Yang Essence entered the body, it was like coming home and there was naturally no hindrance.
Yin alone cannot produce life, Yang alone cannot grow, but when Yin and Yang combine, all things come into being.
To practice the Great Sun Divine Form Secret and forge the Sun's true body does not mean to completely abandon the Yin Moon and embrace only the Yang Sun. So if one wants to get started with the Sun's true body, what is lacking is the power of the moonlight, and now he has finally succeeded.
A big sun pattern appeared between Jiale's eyebrows. This was the sign that Jiale had entered the realm of the Sun's true body. However, what surprised Jiale was that at the moment when he entered the realm of the Sun's true body, a big sun rose in the originally dark unknown space, turning the eternal night into day, which surprised Jiale very much.
Jiale felt that he was one step closer to solving the mystery of the unknown space.
After entering the realm of the Sun's True Body, Jia Le could feel that his body and soul had been baptized by the sun. His aptitude had directly increased several times. At this moment, Jia Le seemed to have truly lived up to the title of genius.
After entering the realm of the Sun's true body, Jia Le's subsequent practice of the Great Sun's Divine Form Secret was no longer limited to the sunrise and sunset, or to day and night. The Great Sun is everywhere and at all times, except that it cannot be seen at night. However, even at night, it is real, just farther away from Jia Le. However, everyone who possesses the Sun's true body is the Sun's biological son.
No matter how far away, the sun can always shine its light on Jiale.
With his palms spread out, a golden flame rose from Jiale's hands. This was not Maoshan Fire Technique, but the True Sun Fire. However, Jiale had only just started to learn the True Sun Body. The True Sun Fire was like a natural benefit of the True Sun Body and needed to improve with the progress of the True Sun Body.
Today's true sun fire is only at the beginning of its charm. It is definitely more powerful than the flame emitted by Maoshan fire magic, or even more powerful than the yang fire of the spiritual crow. However, compared with the legendary Golden Crow's fire, it is far behind.
But even so, this Sun's True Fire is enough to become Jiale's trump card and the confidence to fight against opponents of higher levels.
The reason why it is called a killer move is that it consumes too much mana. A ray of true sun fire can drain Jia Le's mana.
The benefits of learning the Sun's True Body are not limited to this. From now on, Jiale's body will be like the sun. All demons and monsters whose realm is lower than Jiale's will dare to attack Jiale and touch his body. They will be injured at the very least and will be reduced to ashes at the worst. It is like a passive skill, commonly known as: the walking little sun.
At this time, Jia Le finally understood how popular people with special physiques were in those novels about cultivating immortals. If Jia Le were to accept a disciple, he would definitely like one with this kind of physique.
There’s no way, it smells so good.
After exiting the unknown space, the seven crows were surrounding Jiale. The entrance of the Sun's true body benefited not only Jiale but also the seven crows. The seven crows were in spiritual communication with Jiale, and when Jiale was visualizing the sun, the seven crows could sense it, especially when the Sun's true body entered his body this time and Jiale was baptized by the sun.
These seven crows also benefited from this opportunity. A closer look revealed that their feathers had turned into a fiery red color. They had not yet broken through the demon soldier realm, but had already successfully evolved into fire crows. To borrow a phrase, the seven crows at this moment were like an old hen turning into a phoenix. Their aptitude had been improved, and it was almost a matter of course for them to break through the demon soldier realm later.
Although the Qi Refining Realm level was just a demon soldier in ancient times and was not worth mentioning, but at this time, the demon soldier was already enough to stir up the world.
After the seven spirit crows officially break through, with the help of the seven fire crows, Jiale's strength will be greatly improved.
After adapting himself to the true body of the sun, Jiale entered the unknown space again, ready to open up his meridians and start practicing belt meridians.
Coo coo coo!
At the fifth watch, when the cock crowed, Jia Le stopped practicing. His belt meridian had been completely opened. Because of the entry into the Sun True Body and the improvement of his aptitude, Jia Le actually reached the level of Qi meridians and rivers after opening his belt meridian. However, he could only achieve this level in one night. Expanding and consolidating the meridians afterwards would be a slow process.
Today, Jiale will start to formally practice the Maoshan Forbidden Technique, and he is still looking forward to it.
"Jia Le, there are many kinds of sealing techniques. The ancestor once said that there are three thousand great ways, and the way of sealing is one of them. In fact, the skills and spells we are practicing now are all derived from the great ways. Some powerful cultivators realized the truth and gradually developed these skills and spells.
There are many kinds of sealing techniques, but they all have the same purpose, which is to seal.
My Maoshan Sealing Technique, also known as the Eight Trigrams Sealing Technique, is based on the principles of Yin and Yang. You have already thoroughly read those Taoist books, and I believe you have some insights into it. The sealing technique, when practiced to the end, will involve the secrets of time and space.
One of our Maoshan ancestors, after mastering the art of sealing, actually sealed himself at the moment before his death, thus entering a state of immortality. However, after being sealed, he could no longer be free of thoughts, so even if he entered a state of immortality, it was in vain.
Come, let’s start practicing now.
The so-called seal is the most basic use of the sealing technique..."
In terms of teaching apprentices alone, Jiale thinks that Partridge is better than Simu. Of course, Uncle Jiu and Mamadi are even worse.
Perhaps it was because of the support from those dozens of Taoist books, or perhaps it was because his aptitude had improved a lot, Jiale understood and mastered Partridge's teachings as soon as he heard them.
Gradually, by the time the sun set, Jiale had already mastered the Maoshan Forbidden Technique.
After Partridge returned to the house, Jiale cast a spell on the chickens in the yard by making hand gestures and chanting incantations.
"seal up!"
The sealing spell is obtained by those powerful people who have comprehended the way of sealing, and after analysis and conceptual transformation, they can use the spell to control the power of sealing, seal the meridians, body, spirit, soul, and life; ban methods, thoughts, gods, and all things.
Jia Le has just mastered the art of sealing, and can only seal the meridians, body, and soul of creatures whose cultivation level is lower than his.
The hen was cast a sealing spell by Jiale and suddenly could not move. Upon closer inspection, the entire chicken had stopped breathing, had no blood circulation, and had no intelligence.
I have to say that this sealing technique is indeed powerful and terrifying. If this technique is cast on someone, he will be able to do whatever he wants. No, I can't even think about it. It's too evil.
In the blink of an eye, another month has passed. Jiale has been staying at Partridge for three months, and today he has completed the practice of the Sealing Technique.
Of course, it is unrealistic to seal oneself and become immortal in three months as Partridge said. However, Jiale is no longer limited to sealing his body and mind at this time. It is not difficult for Jiale to seal the soul and mind of those who are at a lower level than Jiale.
Moreover, Jiale can form a forbidden space one meter around himself, so that mosquitoes cannot pass through and birds cannot fly over his head.
If someone uses spiritual sense to detect his true strength, they will not be able to do so. If someone with lower cultivation than Jiale suddenly attacks him, all magic will lose its effect in this forbidden space.
I have to say, this sealing technique is really against the will of heaven.
However, it may be that only Jiale is the one who is going against the will of heaven, not everyone. For example, now Partridge, although this is not the first time Partridge has been shocked in this month, but after seeing Jiale's progress and results, Partridge still can't help but be shocked.
She was such a genius. It was not terrible that she was better than her teacher. What was terrible was that she was beaten to death on the beach in just three months.
"Jia Le, Master, I have to admit that your master is extremely lucky. He was able to pick up a genius while driving a corpse. I can't take it anymore. I am so envious. Why don't you come to me? I have a hidden talent. As long as you come to me, I will teach you."
Seeing the expectant look in Partridge's eyes, Jiale also smiled. Partridge probably just said it. If Jiale really switched to her, she might not accept him. She might even beat Jiale up. The rules of Maoshan were very strict. Jiale also saw that for those disciples who had learned skills well in Maoshan and then came down from the mountain, most of them had the rules of Maoshan deeply rooted in their minds and they never dared to deviate from them.
At least, that was the case with everyone he had seen, whether it was Simu, Uncle Jiu, Mamadi, or Partridge.
"Master, please stop making fun of me. If I really switched sides with you, you would definitely beat me up."
Upon hearing this, Partridge was speechless.
"Are you leaving?"
In fact, Jiale had prepared to leave a few days ago. After all, the later stages of practice were no longer something that Partridge could teach. But Partridge insisted on keeping Jiale for a few days and took out some of his best skills. However, it was estimated that there was nothing left to teach Jiale today.
Here at Partridge, the main focus is raising babies and then treating illnesses.
In his spare time, Jiale often helps out, so after three months, Jiale not only learned the Maoshan Forbidden Technique, but also got a basic understanding of infant care and Maoshan medicine. If he is interested in this, he can further study it in the future.
"Yes, it has been seven months since I came out this time. It is time to go back."
In another month, it will be Jiale’s birthday, and Jiale wants to celebrate it with Simu.
This time, Partridge did not try to keep her, "Then you can leave tomorrow. Master will make you a delicious meal tonight."
I have to say that Partridge's cooking skills are really good, even Jiale can't compare to him. During this period of time, apart from practicing, what Jiale enjoys most is the feast with Partridge.
"Okay, to be honest, Master-aunt has spoiled me. I probably won't have an appetite for anything else from now on."
Hearing Jiale's words, Partridge was even happier, "Wait, Master will get it for you right away."
Looking at Partridge's back, Jiale couldn't help but sigh in his heart.
Whether it is Simu, Uncle Jiu, or Partridge, Jiale can feel a sense of family. He feels that he is lucky to have met so many people in this world who are truly kind to him. Even though his mother has a lot of bad habits, she is very kind to Jiale.
"Sister Partridge, Sister Partridge , come, come and check on my son. What's wrong with him? He won't wake up no matter how much you call him? Partridge, he is only six years old. You must save him, wuwu."
Just then, a hurried voice accompanied by messy footsteps broke into Partridge's yard.
Partridge also hurried out.
A young woman ran into the yard holding a little boy. She looked anxious and helpless. Many people followed her and they were all looking at the child and the partridge anxiously.
Everyone was talking at once, and Jiale and Partridge finally got the general idea.
This young woman and her child are both from Dongtou Village. The boy is six years old. Today, when they went out to play with their friends, the little boy suddenly fainted. When the other children saw that the little boy had fainted and could not be woken up no matter how they called him, they became anxious and hurried home to call their family members over.
Seeing that she couldn't wake the child up no matter what she did, the young woman didn't dare to delay and directly brought the child to Partridge. After all, Partridge was the best in Dongtou Village in terms of medical skills and Taoism.
Dongyue River!
Jiale was thinking about the name. Dongyue River is a big river that flows through Dongtou Village. It can be seen not only in Dongtou Village, but also in the two or three surrounding counties. It is very famous. There are many fish and shrimps in it, which support many villagers. The river water is clear, and many people go there to swim and play. The incident happened to this child after he finished playing in Dongyue River.
Children in rural areas are all wild. Six years old is not young anymore. They have basically started wandering outside since they were three years old. They go out early and come back late. It is common for these children to stay at whoever's house they play at for lunch. Their families generally don't worry about it because they are all in the village and nothing can happen.
The little boy's name is Xiao Shitou . It was not his first time to play in Dongyue River. According to his playmates, it was the same as usual and there was nothing special about it.
However, Jiale knew that there was really something wrong with Dong Yuehe.
Every night when the moon rises over the Dongyue River, it looks like it is on the surface of the river. That is where the name Dongyue River comes from. Jiale has been here at Partridge for three months and he often hears people who come here to treat illnesses talk about it, but he has been busy practicing and has never visited the place.
However, his crows go out hunting every night, and the Dongyue River is the main place, because there are ghosts in this river.